Tag: start

Hi my faves! I try to be consistent and have a set name to say hi ‘…’ in each blog post with, but I am just really random and figure a different name each time is more fun; examples to come: cuties, babes, bugs, and any other random word that makes me happy in the introducing phase!

FIRST OFF THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO REACHED OUT (ABOVE IS MY FACE OF HAPPINESS) TO ME REGARDING MY LAST BLOG POST! I do not think I am nearly good enough for all of your love! Hence I am discouraged on the daily, but you all made me SO happy and confident (a main KEY)! I received all kinds of positive DMs from people telling me I made their day, to sharing how my blog post inspired them to be positive and not be afraid to start their own online journey. I even received some extra kind words about my bubbly personality! I am so overwhelmed with all the positive feedback – so AMAZING! if I made ONE person happy from m previous post- then my goal was accomplished. To know I made SO many people happy that they felt the need to tell me- I SERIOUSLY LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYONE WHO MESSAGED ME. YOU MAKE ME WANT TO SUCCEED SO MUCH MORE! I may sound over dramatic because I am not someone with hundreds of thousands of followers, but I do not care if I had 5 followers, and 3 reached out to me- I did this to inspire, and all of you who let me know that I did that for you- I love you. Truly.

ANYWAY… BACK TO WHAT THIS POST IS ABOUT– GREAT NEWS! I HAD MY FIRST Q & A about two weeks ago, and it was live on their site about a week ago. I mentioned it on my Instagram, but I never really wrote a blog post on how I felt about it! I have been told that blog post should be about your outfits, how you put it together, or just how it came about but sometimes I just want to write about how I feel with the great things that come along during this blog journey. As I stated from the beginning this is my diary about fashion, LIFE, me and whatever else, so for anyone who enjoys it thank you, for anyone who says I am doing it wrong- well it’s kinda hard to tell someone they are being themselves wrong? So BE YOU BABES!

EEEEKKK Fashion Ambitions! As soon as I saw the email I was excited already! I like the name of the website and that alone pulls me in. They asked if they can do a Q & A on me and I seriously felt like my dream came true- a fashion website really wanted to know more about me?!! HOW AND WHY?! To more seasoned fashion bloggers, this might seem like a small milestone but time, this is huge! My first Q&A, and so soon after my launch! Things like this remind me of how happy I am, that despite my fears, I started Lauren Be Luxe! I finally put procrastination and doubt aside and shared my passion into something that is making me (and some of you out there!) so happy! I might (read: probably) screw up A LOT along the way but its so fine because I am doing this solely for my happiness and whoever else wants to be as happy as me 😉

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Fashion Ambitions! They (esp. the founder, Romana!) were the best people to work with for my first site feature. They were kind, easy to get along with, and made the whole experience stress free (which made me feel so calm and focused!). The kinds of questions they asked are the kind of questions you practice in the mirror when you daydream about winning an award or something (or is that just me?) “What made you want to start this?” “What are your goals this year?” “Your style?” and so on. To me this was being able to let anyone who wanted to read this article, get to know the real me a little bit better. Any way that I can connect with people from all over the world and share our love for fashion, life, and all that comes with it, I try to do daily.

As I mentioned I do not have loads of followers (Yet!) and that’s fine, I started a month ago and maybe one day I will but regardless of the number, I will always be doing this for the same reasons: Inspire, connect, and my happiness.

I am posting the Q & A below and you can also head to their site for all the pics they included in it and other fashionable features they have- it is AWESOME and I am so thankful!

“For those who have a shopping problem and can shamelessly admit it, Lauren Bruno of Lauren BeLuxe is a fashion blogger you’ll want to follow.

Lauren is a Penn State grad who resides in New Jersey and works in NYC.

Check out her why she started blogging and what influences her style:

WHY DID YOU START BLOGGING? AND WHAT CURRENTLY DRIVES YOU TO KEEP UP WITH IT?

My shopping addiction led me to blog..ha just kidding- kinda..

I started blogging because I wanted to create an area that I could connect with people on the same love of fashion (and shopping) as me.

I am constantly asked where I buy my clothing, so I figured why not share with everyone. I wanted to start this blog for years but I was so afraid of judgement, finally this year I told myself it is now or never.

I LOVE shopping online way more at the moment, it’s extremely convenient when you have no time (which could be good and bad).

WHAT BEAUTY PRODUCTS DO YOU LIVE BY?

Currently I am trying to test out all new products, to see what suits me best.

Recently I collaborated with Splurge Skincare– her products are all handmade with natural ingredients so I would definitely recommend that.

Makeup wise, IT cosmetics is a new fav- amazing!

WHAT BLOGGERS DO YOU FOLLOW AND WHY?

I love supporting others so I feel like I follow everyone, too many to even name.

My favorite bloggers are Something Navy and Negin Mirsalehi. I feel like they are both so real and genuine, they make you feel like you can do it, to be honest after watching Negin’s vlogs- I was more motivated to start this, and did. So thank you, Negin!

They are just amazing bloggers who are kind and just inviting you into their everyday life, and that’s exactly how I hope to be one day.

DO YOU BLOG FULL TIME?

No, I only started one month ago!

I work in marketing in NYC and love it, so I will blog after work and on weekends! I post on the blog 2-3x a week, and on Instagram daily.

WHO TAKES YOUR PHOTOS?

A few people at the moment, which I am so thankful for all of the support!

I have been meeting with photographers and such to see how our schedules can work together, and I am close to choosing a photographer, but I just started this past month, so this is all new to me.

Currently my boyfriend and my sisters take majority of them, but whatever friend I am with at the moment and maybe even my parents will as well J

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BLOGGING? AND WHAT’S THE WORST PART ABOUT IT?

My favorite part is I feel like I am finally doing what I have wanted to forever. I feel like I am writing in a diary but about clothes, life, and travel – it’s my happy place.

Being able to connect with people all over the world, and have them become a part of your life is amazing!

The amount of support and encouragement the blogger world gives you is unreal- I have met so many amazing people, made new friends, and feel like I am part of a community to just empower all women & men bloggers!

The worst part is working 24/7 and getting discouraged, but I would never change it- It just pushes me to keep going, work harder, and become better.

Getting stressed about trying to figure out how to keep everyone interested and what they may want to see might be difficult also, but it just motivates me to find more inspiration.

Honestly this has been amazing so far, but be sure to never compare yourself to others, stay true to your brand!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR BLOG?

I love that I am just being honest. I did this all on my own, from scratch and I continue too.

It is rewarding and a very proud moment- I taught myself a lot and I love learning new things about web design or editing and so much more every day.

I already want to re-vamp my site because I just want to continuously grow and become better.

A lot of people told me make sure you do this or that and I am just wanting to be me right now, I don’t have a specific niche but I know eventually I will get there.

My blog brings you items that people may pay thousands of dollars for the designer product, but for people who can’t afford it, I make sure to help find and direct them to the perfect duplicate.

I always try to promote sales so my fans don’t look at my page and say ‘well no need to follow her nothing is affordable, or she doesn’t give any options.’

My main goal of my blog is to help other people find exactly what they are looking for, and just inspire.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE STARTING THEIR OWN BLOG?

Do NOT be afraid!

Stay consistent and please do not give up.

It is A LOT of work, if and when you get discouraged, do not forget that you did this because you love it and it makes you happy! It’s what I tell myself, and my family and boyfriend remind me of every day.

It takes time. Dreams do not complete themselves overnight.

That is my main piece of advice- not only for a blog but for anything, if you want to do something than do it. Who cares if someone is going to judge you, or be negative or bring you down, If you are one step closer to living your dream than continue to do it.

You have one life, do not be afraid, do not procrastinate to start whatever makes you happy- I PROMISE it will be worth it, so go for it!

HAVE ANY FASHION BLOG GOALS FOR 2017?

YES! So many, grow, make connections and bring better and more content, but my main goal is to attend the next NYFW in September ”

I took a little extra time with this post because it means so much to me that people message me so often for advice, tips and their questions wanting to know how to get started and what I have done thus far! Like me?! Really? Thank you!

As I have stated numerous times, I started this page about a month ago (my Instagram I started a week earlier, to build anticipation) and I have gotten the most amazing feedback. Of course some days or maybe even everyday, you will get discouraged (or at least I do) but building yourself up and telling yourself that you are closer than you were a week ago, will truly help your confidence. In this post I am going to discuss with you the 5 Main things I did/took into consideration when posting on Instagram and trying to gain a following. In my opinion, I remember to not really focus on the number (although it may be hard and high numbers always will build you up) but focus more on the people, who your engaging, keeping them engaged and building yourself more and more each day.

FYI: I am VERY new to this, so none of my tips are facts, they are simply MY advice and what I DID. NOT FACTS 🙂

Read below for what I did/do:

1- TAKE ADVICE & BE FEARLESS. No one is too good for anyone (if that makes sense) Always be you, but take advice that people who came before you give. Before I started I was so embarrassed to talk to people for advice, or did not want to bother them, or was just shy, or felt dumb asking questions- but I did it anyway because asking is always better than wondering. so BE FEARLESS..I asked friends who had experience with this, and I connected with people through others who were kind enough to have a phone call with me to give me tips on how to start, and what they did. The amount of people I spoke to and the questions I asked in my opinion were extreme- but this is something that I knew was going to be like my baby and I wanted to do it right from the beginning. Once I realized that this blogging world is not judgmental or negative (if people are- cut them out of your life, no one needs that) it is inspiring and empowering, I wanted to become a part of it even more. I remember when I first posted a picture on my fashion Instagram, I was counting down the days until my blog was live- I was anxious, excited, and just wanted to be a part of this world. These girls were here to help me grow and watch me rise, not hope for me to fall- and that was motivating; So take advice, because you will need it and when you get it you can take bits and pieces from all the advice you received and use it in your own way to truly be YOU.

2- GIVEAWAYS. OMG Giveaways are amazing, and if you do not do them or never have I suggest you do ASAP. I was recommended to someone through a blogger friend and mt giveaways have been one of my favorite aspects about this (not kidding). It is SO amazing to see people comment about why they need the money, or why they want a camera so bad and to know that you chipped in to help that become possible, is why I love giveaways. YOU ARE MAKING SOMEONES DAY, and building your following at the same time.

3- Follow everyone. I have SO many people yet to follow and build on, but this is such an important key to your following- if fans follow you, do what you can to follow them all back, at least in the beginning. Also anyone who inspires you, follow them. Just follow anyone who you would even want to follow you back. If you have 3 Million followers obviously you cant, (but then again this post is starting out, so if you have 3M followers when you start out- call me! ha) but following back is part of engagement and so important. If you follow 10 people, maybe 5 will follow you back and then other people will see your name and so on. It is all about getting yourself out there- and just connecting with the world, which is cool because I have so many new friends that I have yet to meet, but I can’t wait to!

4- Like, comment, engage, be a real human & REAL in general. Ok before I started this I hated thinking like these people are not real, which is why I love that certain bloggers now do vlogs- because you see their life, you know they are just like you and that’s inspiration to move you forward. When a blogger NEVER responds to your comments or tries to acknowledge it, it makes you feel like they do not care. That is the WORST thing you can do to someone who is following YOUR journey- this is not their dream, this is yours and they are interested enough to want to be a part of it. NEVER take that for granted. Spend the time, even if it may be a half hour on your lunch break to like comments, comment back and ENGAGE with other bloggers, by commenting and liking their pictures as well. Post often and engage-Good vibes will always come back. A lot of my points are just not thinking you are TOO good for anyone, because you never will be. No one human is better than another regardless if it is your credentials, your followers, your collaborations- whatever it is every person works at their own pace but always engaging with this industry will get you way further than sitting back and not acknowledging anyone. If that was me- I would unfollow someone who I felt like never took the time that I take to comment and motivate them, to motivate me back. Un follow may be harsh- but I would definitely be upset, and you never want to hurt someone who is helping you accomplish your goals. Continue to comment, like, follow, engage, and inspire! BE REAL- Do not feel like you have to hold back being your true self, or saying what you really want to say because of what people may think. Be you, that’s why people followed you to begin with- plus no one likes fake people.

5- Features & Collaborations. So before I started a few people said to me ‘Collab Collab Collab!’ and I was like huh, what, I am confused! But now I totally get it. I did not understand at first, I would continuously say to myself “I just email people and ask if they want to work with me, why would the say yes, no one knows me?” WELL AGAIN BE FEARLESS! And yes they do want to work with you, they will feature you, and you will be known (one day!) See companies look at Instagram now as FREE advertising, it is kinda crazy- when you first start out and have under 10k (at least) you really won’t be getting paid for wearing companies clothes, or promoting their product but doing it helps you get more engagement from their pages and your marketing yourself as well as their brand, so in the beginning especially lots of people will want to work with you. EMAIL EMAIL EMAIL ALL! A bunch of people may not answer, I can show you plenty of people who haven’t, but for everyone who doesn’t there are THOUSANDS of more companies to ask. IF you email 20, 5 might answer- but you have to start out with small companies. If you just started your blog obviously do not try and collaborate with Chanel. Be humble and realistic. Reach out to companies with a little over your following number, collaborate and promote each other! FEATURES ARE ALSO SO HELPFUL- when you first start I am sure companies will reach out asking if they can post your photo- some may charge and some may be free. If people are charging ridiculous amounts then I would not do it, because a week later people will want to feature you for no charge- and who would say no to that 🙂 My first website feature was actually recently on Fashion Ambitions! (Click to read it) It was a Q&A about me, my goals, my passion why I started and so on- it was such a great moment! PEOPLE WILL reach out if you just be YOU, put in the hard work, (I feel like I have 2 full time jobs, but I wouldn’t change anything about either) dedicate yourself and make time to do what makes you happy. This blog seriously makes me feel so full of life, it is the best thing I’ve done. EMAIL EVERYONE WITH CONFIDENCE, if they say no- onto the next, but email email email DM DM DM- COLLAB AND FEATURES!

Oh also quickly- KNOW YOUR TIMES OF ENGAGEMENT! This pic below was on a Saturday at 11pm, and I was fully aware that no one was going to see it or care or acknowledge it because everyone is out or enjoying their weekend and busy- it wound up being my most engaged picture yet (even though the # of likes at the moment are 666 but we wont be afraid of that lol) & I am so appreciative of that, because my BESTIE took this pic- so it made me so happy. But yes the worst times may be the best- PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE! 🙂

PS- I have never promoted a picture, has anyone else..does it help? COMMENT BELOW!

Ok well those are my 5 Key points- I could give you 100 more, and if you want more, just DM me or comment below and I will be glad to chat!

Sidenote: One of my friends who is amazing at Marketing told me to keep track of your ratio: divide your likes by followers, whatever that percent is is your ratio. Most bloggers may be 2-4%, she informed me of this because mine was at 10% (proud moment so let me brag for a minute), but then days it could be like 1% and it has been and will be in the future, BUT YOU KEEP GOING!

ALWAYS remember PEOPLE WILL HATE- maybe even friends (sad but true), true colors always show and it is ok, because all you have to do is continue to invite positive people in your life, the ones who lift you up- anyone who brings you down was never a friend to begin with. The people who say “I am so proud of you!” Keep them in your life, because they will be what keeps you going when you are discouraged, and they are the people who make you want to do better and better. ANYONE who is jealous, nasty, mean, or bringing you down- as hard as it may be, cut them out (of this journey at least) because anyone who wants to see you fall, should not be there to see you succeed. IF YOU ARE HAPPY, anyone who loves you WILL be too! POSITIVE PATTY NEVER NEGATIVE NANCY (thanks for that quote mommy! haha)

I LOVE YOU ALL! Seriously – Now lets continue to grow and kick some booty!!

Check out my most recent Insta Post as well- I have a monster bag in it hehe